As the mercury continues to climb, RSPCA Victoria is calling on pet owners to ensure their furry friends keep cool, launching a new guide for a \u2018Pet-Safe Summer\u2019.<\/p>\n
Launched this month, the \u2018Hot Days, Cool Pets\u2019 guide provides a set of simple steps to ensure your pet remains safe and happy over what\u2019s set to be a scorching summer.<\/p>\n
A few tips include ensuring access to fresh water at all times, providing shade and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and walking your pet during cooler parts of the day to stop their paws getting burnt.<\/p>\n
Summer brings its own set of challenges for pets, from scorching footpaths, sudden thunderstorms, to creepy crawlies and impacts on food availability.<\/p>\n
RSPCA Victoria\u2019s Chief Veterinarian, Dr Bronwyn Oke, said there is a lot to look out for during the summer months.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the deadliest things for our pets over summer is being left in hot cars. It can take just minutes for your pet to die in a hot car, even with the windows cracked,\u201d Dr Oke said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just hot cars that can be deadly; heat stroke is another real concern for pets and can happen quickly if they don\u2019t have access to a well-ventilated, shady area with plenty of fresh water at all times.<\/p>\n
\u201cOther things like taking dogs for walks on hot footpaths can potentially burn and injure their paw pads \u2013 a good test is checking the temperature of the footpath with the back of your hand, chances are if it\u2019s too hot for you, it\u2019s too hot for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some pets are also more susceptible to skin cancers \u2013 and it\u2019s not just heat-related issues that pet owners should look out for either.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all know thunderstorms can make our pets feel anxious, and we can get some impressive storms over the summer months,\u201d Dr Oke said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaking sure you have quiet, safe spaces ready for your pets during a storm can make a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Keeping your pets in mind when planning for potential emergency evacuation is also crucial, with weather conditions forecast to bring higher than average fire risk in western Victoria.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlanning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,\u201d RSPCA Victoria\u2019s Head of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people across the state already have a Fire Ready plan in place, and we\u2019re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included too.”<\/p>\n
Key steps to prepare include:
\n– Updating your contact details on microchips* and ID tags in case you and your pet are separated,
\n– Store photos or scans on your phone or email of important documents like registration, microchip numbers, vaccination certificates, medication directions, and your local vet.
\n– Create an emergency kit with documents, medication, food, water, bowls, bedding, and toileting supplies.
\n– Identify possible pet shelters, establish an emergency guardian, and share your evacuation plan with someone you trust who can evacuate your pets if you\u2019re not home.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.rspcavic.org\/hot-days-cool-pets.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
As the mercury continues to climb, RSPCA Victoria is calling on pet owners to ensure their furry friends keep cool, launching a new guide for a \u2018Pet-Safe Summer\u2019. Launched this month, the \u2018Hot Days, Cool Pets\u2019 guide provides a set of simple steps to ensure your pet remains safe and happy over what\u2019s set to […]<\/p>\n